Week 9: Flash Fiction



He was a good guy. All his life he had done nothing but try his best. Yes there were times when things went a tad bit off-track, but he was a hard worker, he worked hard. His eyes were golden brown and sometimes he would wear a smile that was the least bit fake. He worked hard his entire life. He wasn't a quitter, but knew when to end something that should not be. His young age and enthusiasm masked some of the sights his eyes had seen, and his personality gave no indication of experiences he had endured. Maybe a little flawed inside, but overall he was a good guy and he worked hard.

At a young age it was clear that he knew to use his head. Strict, but fair parents instilled in him an appreciation for good grades. This grew with him, he strived to excel in anything he involved himself with. He worked hard to achieve this excellence.

His parents would always tell him "Hard work pays off".

After elementary school he put himself on the honour role and didn't ever come off. He worked hard for this. Mainly, his work paid off. Things in his life went rather smoothly. His parents were pleased with his schooling and his life was on-track. Most importantly, he was happy with how he lived. Despite not wanting to admit it, he always tried his best to please his parents. After all, they had given him life, had they not?

"Yes mother, but I tried my best and that's all I can do" is what he would say anytime he felt something was not up-to-par. Being the fair people that they were, they accepted this. He appreciated their support as he always worked hard.

And his parents would always tell him "Hard work pays off".

When the time came he went off to university. Big plans were in his future, and he longed for the old-time prestige and good money of holding a university degree. All through these years of his life he worked tirelessly, striving for excellence in an environment no soul had prepared him for. His marks fell, quite unlike his attitude. Always enduring the way soldiers do, he pushed on, never losing sight of his ultimate goal.

"Nothing they can throw at me here is harder than anything I've done in training..." he told himself to ease the pain of his stressful life. Which was true, he had endured worse and could work harder still.

His parents were pleased with his attitude, "Hard work pays off" they reminded him.

The time came when his hard work paid off. He was to receive his degree. On the day of his convocation he was a happy man. His new degree insured him the success he was used to. He was excited to start his career.

The day after, he was still optimistic, and ready to start his "real life".

The second week after his convocation he handed out the last of his résumés. He remained hopeful.

The next month, he lied to his mother when she asked how his career hunt was going.

The year after, he moved out. Refusing to burden anymore the man and woman who had given him so much.

The second year he was still a hard working man. He had managed to keep himself fed and off of drugs.

The fifth year after his convocation, on the anniversary of the very day he had worked hard his whole life towards, they found him floating down the river.

The note found in his pocket read: HARD WORK PAYS OFF.